Ionic polymers as anti-infective agents

ABSTRACT

A method for treating a microbial infection in a mammal, such as a human, comprising treating the mammal with a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer comprising an amino group or an ammonium group attached to the polymer backbone via an aliphatic spacer group. The polymer can be a homopolymer or a copolymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is a copolymer comprising a monomer having a pendant ammonium group and a hydrophobic monomer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.09/493,639, filed Jan. 28, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.No. 09/286,693, filed Apr. 6, 1999, now abandoned, which is acontinuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 08/670,764, filed Jun. 24,1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,129. The teachings of each of the abovereferenced applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

[0002] The invention described herein was supported in whole or in partby Advanced Technology Program Cooperative Agreement No. 70NANB5H1063from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The UnitedStates Government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A number of short (ca. 50 amino acid residues or fewer) linear orcyclic cytotoxic peptides have been isolated recently from a variety ofsources. These include mellitin, from bee venom, the magainins, fromfrog skin, and cecropins, from insects (Maloy, et al., Biopolymers(Peptide Science) 37 : 105-122 (1995)). Although of widely varyingpeptide sequences and structures, these peptides all contain multiplelysine and arginine residues, and, at physiological pH, carry a netpositive charge. They also form amphipathic structures wherein oneportion of the structure is hydrophilic while the other portion ishydrophobic.

[0004] The peptides appear to act solely by direct lysis of the cellmembrane (Maloy et al., supra (1995)). In the current model, cell lysisis initiated by the electrostatic attraction of the positive charge onthe peptide to the negative phosphate head groups at the exteriorsurface of the membrane phospholipid bilayer. This interaction leads toinsertion of the hydrophobic portion of the protein into the membrane,thereby disrupting the membrane structure. The lytic peptides are, ingeneral, more active against prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria andfungi, than eukaryotic cells. This has led to interest in these peptidesas potential agents for the treatment of infections in humans (Maloy etal., supra (1995); Arrowood et al., J. Protozool. 38 : 161S-163S (1991);Haynie et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemotherapy 39 : 301-307 (1995).

[0005] The natural cytotoxic peptides, however, suffer from severaldisadvantages with respect to their use as human therapeutic agents.First, it appears that these peptides have evolved to act at highconcentration at specific localized sites. Thus, when administered as adrug, the dosage necessary to attain an effective concentration at siteof infection can be prohibitively high. A second disadvantage is thedifficulty of isolating useful amounts of these peptides from thenatural sources, along with the high cost of synthesizing useful amountsof peptides in this size regime. Finally, these compounds, like otherpeptides, are degraded in the gastrointestinal tract, and, thus, cannotbe administered orally.

[0006] There is a need for anti-microbial agents which possess the broadactivity spectrum of the natural cytotoxic peptides, but are inexpensiveto produce, can be administered orally and have lower concentrationrequirements for therapeutic activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a method for treating amicrobial infection in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammala therapeutically effective amount of a polymer having an amine orammonium group connected to the polymer backbone by an aliphatic spacergroup.

[0008] The polymer to be administered can be a homopolymer or acopolymer. In one embodiment, the polymer further includes a monomercomprising a hydrophobic group, such as an aryl group or a normal orbranched C₃-C₁₈-alkyl group.

[0009] The polymer to be administered can, optionally, further include amonomer comprising a neutral hydrophilic group, such as a hydroxyl groupor an amide group.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention is a method for treating amicrobial infection in a mammal, such as a human, comprisingadministering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of apolymer comprising a polymethylene backbone which is interrupted at oneor more points by a quaternary ammonium group.

[0011] The present method has several advantages. For example, thepolymers employed are easily prepared using standard techniques ofpolymer synthesis and inexpensive starting materials. The polymers willnot be substantially degraded in the digestive tract and, therefore, canbe administered orally. Polymer compositions can also be readily varied,to optimize properties such as solubility or water swellability andantimicrobial activity. Finally, the polymers to be administered includeamine or ammonium functional groups attached to the polymer backbone viaaliphatic spacer groups. The structural flexibility of such spacergroups minimizes backbone constraints on the interaction of the ammoniumgroups with anionic targets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to a method for preventing ortreating a microbial infection in a mammal, such as a human, byadministering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of apolymer comprising a plurality of amino or ammonium groups which areattached to the polymer backbone via aliphatic spacer groups.

[0013] As used herein, a “therapeutically effective amount” is an amountsufficient to inhibit, partially or totally, a microbial infection or toreverse development of a microbial infection or prevent or reduce itsfurther progression. The term “polymer” refers to a macromoleculecomprising a plurality of repeat units or monomers. The term includeshomopolymers, which are formed from a singly type of monomer, andcopolymers, which are formed of two or more different monomers. A“terpolymer” is a copolymer formed from three different monomers. Theterm polymer, as used herein, is intended to exclude proteins, peptides,polypeptides and proteinaceous materials.

[0014] As used herein, the term “polymer backbone” or “backbone” refersto that portion of the polymer which is a continuous chain, comprisingthe bonds which are formed between monomers upon polymerization. Thecomposition of the polymer backbone can be described in terms of theidentity of the monomers from which it is formed, without regard to thecomposition of branches, or side chains, off of the polymer backbone.Thus, a poly(acrylamide) polymer is said to have a poly(acrylamide)backbone, without regard to the substituents on the acrylamide nitrogenatom, which are components of the polymer side chains. Apoly(acrylamide-co-styrene) copolymer, for example, is said to have amixed acrylamide/styrene backbone.

[0015] The term “polymer side chain” or “side chain” refers to theportion of a monomer which, following polymerization, forms a branch offof the polymer backbone. In a homopolymer all of the polymer side chainsare identical. A copolymer can comprise two or more distinct sidechains. When a side chain comprises an ionic unit, for example, theionic unit depends from, or is a substituent of, the polymer backbone,and is referred to as a “pendant ionic unit”. The term “spacer group”,as used herein, refers to a polyvalent molecular fragment which is acomponent of a polymer side chain and connects a pendant moiety to thepolymer backbone. The term “aliphatic spacer group” refers to a spacergroup which does not include an aromatic unit, such as a phenylene unit.

[0016] The term “addition polymer”, as used herein, is a polymer formedby the addition of monomers without the consequent release of a smallmolecule. A common type of addition polymer is formed by polymerizingolefinic monomers, wherein monomers are joined by the formation of acarbon-carbon bonds between monomers, without the loss of any atomswhich compose the unreacted monomers.

[0017] The term “monomer”, as used herein, refers to both (a) a singlemolecule comprising one or more polymerizable functional groups prior toor following polymerization, and (b) a repeat unit of a polymer. Anunpolymerized monomer capable of addition polymerization, can, forexample, comprise an olefinic bond which is lost upon polymerization.

[0018] The quantity of a given polymer to be administered will bedetermined on an individual basis and will be determined, at least inpart, by consideration of the individual's size, the severity ofsymptoms to be treated and the result sought. The polymer can beadministered alone or in a pharmaceutical composition comprising thepolymer, an acceptable carrier or diluent and, optionally, one or moreadditional drugs.

[0019] The polymers can be administered, for example, topically, orally,intranasally, or rectally. The form in which the agent is administered,for example, powder, tablet, capsule, solution, or emulsion, depends inpart on the route by which it is administered. The therapeuticallyeffective amount can be administered in a series of doses separated byappropriate time intervals, such as hours.

[0020] Microbial infections which can be treated or prevented by themethod of the present invention include bacterial infections, such asinfection by Streptococcus, including Streptococcus mutans,Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus sanguis, Salmonella,Campylobacter, including Campylobacter sputum, Antinomyces, includingActinomyces naeslundii and Actinomyces viscosus, Escherichia coli,Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus, including S. aureus, Shigella,Pseudomonas, including P. aeruginosa, Eikenella corrodens,Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides gingivalis,Capnocytophaga, including Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Wolinell recta,Bacteriodes intermedius, Mycoplasma, including Mycoplasma salivarium,Treponema, including Treponema denticola, Peptostreptococcus micros,Bacteriodes forsythus, Fusobacteria, including Fusobacterium nucleatum,Selenomonas sputigena, Bacteriodes fragilis, Enterobacter cloacae andPneumocystis. Also included are protozoal infections, such as infectionby Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia; ameobic infections, suchas infection by Entameoba histolytica or Acanthameoba; fungalinfections, such as infections by Candida albicans and Aspergillusfumigatus, and parasitic infections, such as infections by A. castellaniand Trichinella spiralis. The method is useful for treating infectionsof various organs of the body, but is particularly useful for infectionsof the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

[0021] Polymers which are particularly suitable for the present methodinclude polymers which can possess key characteristics of naturallyoccurring cytotoxic peptides, in particular, the ability to formamphipathic structures. The term “amphipathic”, as used herein,describes a three-dimensional structure having discrete hydrophobic andhydrophilic regions. Thus, one portion of the structure interactsfavorably with aqueous and other polar media, while another portion ofthe structure interacts favorably with non-polar media. An amphipathicpolymer results from the presence of both hydrophilic and hydrophobicstructural elements along the polymer backbone.

[0022] In one embodiment, the polymer to be administered polymercomprises a monomer of Formula I,

[0023] wherein X is a covalent bond, a carbonyl group or a CH₂ group, Yis an oxygen atom, an NH group or a CH₂ group, Z is an spacer group, Ris a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group, R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each,independently, a hydrogen atom, a normal or branched, substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₈-alkyl group, an aryl group or an arylalkyl group.Suitable alkyl substituents include halogen atoms, such as fluorine orchlorine atoms.

[0024] In the case in which at least one of R₁-R₃ is a hydrogen atom,the monomer can also exist in the free base, or amino form, that is, asthe neutral conjugate base of the ammonium cation. The polymercomprising such a monomer can be administered in the protonated,cationic form, such as a salt of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid, orin the free base form. Suitable acids include hydrochloric acid,hydrobromic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, phosphoricacid, methanesulfonic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, maleic acid,fumaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, malonic acid, sulfuric acid,L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, pyruvic acid, mucic acid, benzoicacid, glucoronic acid, oxalic acid, ascorbic acid, and acetylglycine. Ineither case, at physiological pH following administration, a pluralityof amino groups will be protonated to become ammonium groups, and thepolymer will carry an overall positive charge.

[0025] The spacer group is a component of the polymer side chain andconnects the amino or ammonium group to the polymer backbone. The aminoor ammonium group is, thus, a pendant group. The spacer group can be anormal or branched, saturated or unsaturated, substituted orunsubstituted alkylene group, such as a polymethylene group —(CH₂)_(n)—,wherein n is an integer from about 2 to about 15. Suitable examplesinclude the propylene, hexylene and octylene groups. The alkylene groupcan also, optionally, be interrupted at one or more points by aheteroatom, such as an oxygen, nitrogen (e.g, NH) or sulfur atom.Examples include the oxaalkylene groups —(CH₂)₂O[(CH₂)₂O]_(n)(CH₂)₂—,wherein n is an integer ranging from 0 to about 3.

[0026] Examples of monomers of Formula I having quaternary ammoniumgroups include 2-trimethylammonium-ethylmethacrylate,2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate,N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide,N-(6-trimethylammoniumhexyl)acrylamide,N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)acrylamide, andN-(4-trimethylammoniumbutyl)allylamine, each of which also includes acounter anion. Examples monomers of Formula I having an amino groupinclude allylamine and N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)acrylamide.

[0027] Polymers to be administered which have quaternary ammonium groupsor protonated amino groups will further comprise a pharmaceuticallyacceptable counter anion, such as anions which are conjugate bases ofthe pharmaceutically acceptable acids discussed above, for example,chloride, bromide, acetate, formate, citrate, ascorbate, sulfate orphosphate. The number of counter anions associated with the polymerprior to administration is the number necessary to balance theelectrical charge on the polymer.

[0028] The polymer can also be a copolymer further comprising ahydrophobic monomer. The hydrophobic monomer can comprise a side chainbearing a hydrophobic group, such as a straight chain or branched,substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₈-alkyl group or a substituted orunsubstituted aryl group. Examples of suitable hydrophobic monomersinclude styrene, N-isopropylacrylamide, N-t-butylacrylamide,N-n-butylacrylamide, heptafluorobutylacrylate, N-n-decylallylamine,N-n-decylacrylamide, pentafluorostyrene, n-butylacrylate,t-butylacrylate, n-decylacrylate, N-t-butylmethacrylamide,n-decylmethacrylate, and n-butylmethacrylate.

[0029] Examples of copolymers comprising a monomer of Formula I and ahydrophobic monomer includepoly(N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)acrylamide-co-N-(n-butyl)acrylamide) orsalts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids. Other examples ofsuitable copolymers includepoly(2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate-co-styrene) chloride,poly(2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide)chloride,poly(2-trimethyl-ammoniumethylmethacrylate-co-heptafluorobutylacryl)chloride, poly(3-trimethylammoniumpropylmethacrylate-co-styrene)chloride,poly(3-trimethylammonium-propylmethacrylate-co-N-t-butylacrylamide)chloride,poly(3-trimethylammoniumpropylmethacrylate-co-N-n-butylacrylamide)chloride, andpoly(N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)allylamine-co-N-n-decylallylamine).Each of these ionic copolymers can also be employed with counter ionsother than chloride, for example, a conjugate base of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the polymer to be administered comprisesa monomer of Formula I, a hydrophobic monomer and a neutral hydrophilicmonomer, such as acrylamide, methacrylamide,N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide or 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate. Examples ofpolymers of this type include terpolymers ofN-(3-trimethylammonium-propyl)methacrylamide/N-isopropylacrylamide/2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate,N-(3-trimethylammonium-propyl)methacrylamide/N-n-decylacrylamide/2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate,N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide/N-t-butylmethacrylamide/methacrylamide,N-(3-trimethylammonium-propyl)methacrylamide/n-decylacrylate/methacrylamide,2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate/n-butyl-acrylate/acrylamide,2-trimethylammonium-ethylmethacrylate/t-butylacrylate/acrylamide,2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate/n-decyl-acrylate/acrylamide,2-trimethylammonium-ethylmethacrylate/n-decylmethacrylate/methacrylamide,2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate/N-t-butyl-methacrylamide/methacrylamideand2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate/N-n-butyl-methacrylamide/methacrylamide.

[0031] The polymer to be administered can be an addition polymer havinga polymer backbone such as a polyacrylate, polyacrylamidepoly(allylalcohol), poly(vinylalcohol), poly(vinylamine),poly(allylamine), or polyalkyleneimine backbone. The polymer can have auniform backbone if it is composed of monomers derived from a commonpolymerizable unit, such as acrylamide. If the polymer is a copolymer,it can also comprise a mixed backbone, for example, the monomer ofFormula I can be an acrylamide derivative, while the hydrophobic monomercan be a styrene derivative. The polymers disclosed herein includeexamples of both uniform and mixed backbones.

[0032] The polymers of use in the present method also includecondensation polymers, wherein polymerization of monomers is accompaniedby the release of a small molecule, such as a water molecule. Suchpolymers include, for example, polyesters and polyurethanes.

[0033] The polymers of use in the present method are preferablysubstantially nonbiodegradable and nonabsorbale. That is, the polymersdo not substantially break down under physiological conditions intofragments which are absorbable by body tissues. The polymers preferablyhave a nonhydrolyzable backbone, which is substantially inert underconditions encountered in the target reion of the body, such as thegastrointestinal tract.

[0034] The composition of the copolymers to be administered can varysubstantially. The copolymer can comprise from about 95 mole percent toabout 5 mole percent, preferably from about 20 mole percent to about 80mole percent, of a monomer of Formula I. The copolymer can also comprisefrom about 95 mole percent to about 5 mole percent, preferably fromabout 20 mole percent to about 80 mole percent, of a hydrophobicmonomer.

[0035] Other examples of polymers which are of use in the present methodare disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/482,969,08/258,477, 08/258,431, 08/469,659 and 08/471,769, the contents of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] The polymer to be administered will, preferably, be of amolecular weight which is suitable for the intended mode ofadministration and allows the polymer to reach and remain within thetargeted region of the body for a period of time sufficient to interactwith the infecting organism. For example, a method for treating anintestinal infection should utilize a polymer of sufficiently highmolecular weight to resist absorption, partially or completely, from thegastrointestinal tract into other parts of the body. The polymers canhave molecular weights ranging from about 500 Daltons to about 500,000Daltons, preferably from about 2,000 Daltons to about 150,000 Daltons.

[0037] The polymers which are useful in the present method can beprepared by known methods. A first method includes the directpolymerization of a monomer, such as trimethylammoniumethylacrylatechloride, or a set of two or more monomers, such astrimethylammoniumethyl-acrylate chloride, N-n-butylacrylamide andacrylamide. This can be accomplished via standard methods of freeradical, cationic or anionic polymerization which are well known in theart. Due to reactivity differences between two monomers, the compositionof a copolymer produced in this way can differ from the composition ofthe starting mixture. This reactivity difference can also result in anon-random distribution of monomers along the polymer chain.

[0038] A second method proceeds via the intermediacy of an activatedpolymer comprising labile side chains which are readily substituted by adesired side chain. An example of a suitable activated polymer is thesuccinimide ester of polyacrylic acid, poly(N-acryloyloxysuccinimide)(also referred to hereinafter as “pNAS”), which reacts with nucleophilessuch as a primary amine to form a N-substituted polyacrylamide. Anothersuitable activated polymer is poly(para-nitrophenylacrylate), whichreact with amine nucleophiles in a similar fashion.

[0039] Polymers suitable for use in the present method can also beprepared by addition of a side chain to a preformed polymer. Forexample, poly(allylamine) can be alkylated at the amino nitrogen by oneor more alkylating agents. For example, one fraction of amino groups canbe alkylated using a normal or branched C₃-C₁₈-alkyl halide, such asn-decyl bromide, while another fraction can be alkylate by a quaternaryammonium-containing alkyl halide, such as1-trimethylammonium-4-bromombutane.

[0040] A copolymer having a polyacrylamide backbone comprising amidenitrogens bearing two different substituents can be prepared by treatingp(NAS) with less than one equivalent (relative toN-acryloyloxysuccinimide monomer) of a first primary amine, producing apoly(N-substituted acrylamide-co-N-acryoyloxysuccinimide) copolymer.Remaining N-acryoyloxysuccinimide monomer can then be reacted with, forexample, an excess of a second primary amine to produce a polyacrylamidecopolymer having two different N-substituents. A variety of copolymercompositions can, thus, be obtained by treating the activated polymerwith different proportions of two or more amines.

[0041] An additional aspect of the present invention is a method fortreating a microbial infection in a mammal, such as a human, comprisingadministering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of apolymer having an amino group or an ammonium group within the polymerbackbone. The polymer can have, for example, a polymethylene backbonewhich is interrupted by one or more amino or ammonium groups. An exampleof a polymer of this type ispoly(decamethylenedimethylammonium-co-ethylenedimethylammonium) bromide,which is synthesized via the reaction ofN,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine and 1,10-dibromodecane. The polymercan also be administered in association with anions other than bromide,such as chloride or acetate anions. Other examples includepoly(alkyleneimines), for example, poly(ethyleneimine). Such polymerscan comprise secondary or tertiary amino groups, salts of such groupswith pharmaceutically acceptable acids, and/or quaternary ammoniumgroups.

[0042] As discussed below in Example 35, several polymers describedherein were tested for in vitro activity against Cryptosporidium parvuminfectivity in mammalian cell culture. Of these,poly(TMAEMC-co-styrene), described in Example 7, was most active,exhibiting greater than 90% inhibition of C. parvum infectivity relativeto the control when applied as a 0.1 mg/mL solution indimethylsulfoxide. The remaining polymers tested also showed significantanti-Cryptosporidium activity.

[0043] The invention will now be further and specifically described bythe following examples.

EXAMPLES

[0044] The following abbreviations are used throughout the examples todenote the following monomers: MAPTAC,N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride; TMAEMC,2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate chloride; HEMA,2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate; TMAEAC, 2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylatechloride.

[0045] The copolymers and terpolyrners of the following examples aregiven nominal compositions which correspond to the molar ratios ofstarting monomers in the copolymerization mixture.

Example 1 Synthesis of poly(N-acryloyloxysuccinimide) (pNAS)

[0046] A solution of N-acryloyloxysuccinimide (25.0 g, 148 mmole) in 100mL dry DMF was degassed by nitrogen purging and simultaneously heated to60° C. To the reaction mixture was added azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN)(120 mg, 0.005 equivalents with respect to monomer). The reaction wasallowed to proceed for 24 hours at 60° C. The polymer solution wascooled to room temperature and poured into rapidly stirred THF. Theresulting white precipitate was filtered, washed with THF and dried invacuo.

Example 2 Synthesis ofpoly(N-(3-dimethylamino-propyl)acrylamide-co-N-n-butylacrylamide)

[0047] To a solution of 3.0 g (17.75 mmole) pNAS in 20 mL dry DMF wasadded 0.6 g (3.55 mmole) n-butylamine. The resulting solution wasstirred at room temperature for 14 hours, and then heated at 60° C. for4 hours. After the solution was cooled to room temperature, 9.05 g (89mmole) 3-dimethylaminopropylamine was added, and the resulting solutionwas stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, then heated to 60° C. for20 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the solution was dilutedwith 25 mL water, and dialyzed against water for 24 hours. The solutionwas then lyophilized to affordpoly(N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl-acrylamide)-co-N-n-butylacrylamide) as atacky white solid.

Example 3 Synthesis ofpoly(N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)acrylamide-co-N-n-butylacrylamide)Iodide

[0048] To a suspension ofpoly(3-dimethylaminopropyl-acrylamide-co-N-n-butylacrylamide in methanolwas added 0.5 g methyl iodide. The resulting mixture was stirred for 3hours, and gradually became homogeneous. After stirring for another 12hours, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the polymerwas washed with dry hexane.

Example 4 Synthesis ofpoly(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide-co-N-(6-trimethylammoniumhexyl)acrylamide)Bromide

[0049] To a solution of 2.48 g (15 mmole) pNAS in 5 mL DMF was added1.00 g (3 mmole) 1-trimethylammonium-6-hexanamine bromide. The solutionwas stirred at room temperature for 4 hours and then heated at 60° C.for 20 hours. The solution was cooled to room temperature, and then 8.95g (150 mmole) 2-ethanolamine was added. The resulting mixture was heatedto 80° C. for 20 hours, cooled to room temperature and diluted with 10mL water. The solution was dialyzed against water for 24 hours, thenlyophilized, yielding the polymer as a brittle white solid.

Example 5 Synthesis of poly(TMAEAC)

[0050] A solution of 48.25 g (0.25 mol) 2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylatechloride in 400 mL isopropanol was degassed by nitrogen purging andheated to 35° C. To this stirred solution was added a solution of 0.8 gpotassium persulfate in 10 mL distilled water. A slight exotherm wasobserved. The solution was stirred at 35° C. for 6 hours, then cooled toroom temperature. The solution was added to hexanes and the resultingprecipitate was isolated by filtration.

Example 6 Synthesis ofpoly(decamethylenedimethylammonium-co-ethylenedimethylammonium) Bromide

[0051] N,N,N′N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (10.0 g, Aldrich),1,10-dibromodecane (25.8 g, Aldrich) and methanol (100 mL) were placedinto a three-neck 250 mL round bottom flask. The mixture was heated withgentle stirring to 65° C. for 6 days, at which point methanol (40 mL)was added, and the mixture was refluxed for an additional 2 days. Themixture was then dripped into acetone, forming a solid that wascollected by filtration, rinsed with acetone, and dried in a vacuum ovento yield 30.9 g of product.

Example 7 Synthesis of poly(TMAEMC-co-styrene) 75/25

[0052] A 500 mL round bottomed flask was charged withtrimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate chloride (26.0 g of a 70 wt % aqueoussolution, 18.2 g), styrene (6.0 g) and isopropanol (150 mL). Thesolution was degassed by the addition of a rapid stream of nitrogen for10 minutes, followed by the addition of AIBN (0.5 g). The solution wasdegassed for a further thirty minutes and, while continuing the additionof nitrogen, the solution was heated to 70° C., and the temperaturemaintained for 17 h. The polymer began to precipitate within 2 h, and bythe completion of the reaction a sticky white precipitate had formed.The reaction mixture was cooled, the isopropanol was decanted from thepolymer, and the polymer was dissolved in methanol. Dropwise addition ofthe methanol solution to ethyl acetate (1200 mL) caused the polymer toprecipitate as a fine white powder which was recovered by filtration.

Example 8 Synthesis of poly(TMAEMC-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (67/33)

[0053] A 500 mL round bottomed flask was charged withtrimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate chloride (14.5 g of a 70 wt % aqueoussolution, 10.0 g), N-isopropylacrylamide (5.0 g) and isopropanol (150mL). The solution was degassed by the addition of a rapid stream ofnitrogen for 10 minutes, followed by the addition of AIBN (0.5 g). Thesolution was degassed for a further 60 minutes. The reaction mixture washeated to 70° C., and the temperature maintained for 16 h. The polymerpartially precipitated over the course of the reaction. Upon cooling,the propanol was decanted from the polymer, and the polymer wasdissolved in methanol. Precipitation of the methanol solution dropwiseinto ethyl acetate (1200 mL) caused the polymer to be deposited as whitecurds which were recovered by filtration, washed with ethyl acetate, anddried in vacuo.

[0054] Additional TMAEMC/N-isopropylacrylamide copolymers were preparedby a similar method with the starting monomers in the following ratios:TMAEMC/N-isopropylacrylamide=40/60, 25/75 and 15/85.

Example 9 Synthesis of poly(MAPTAC-co-styrene) 75/25

[0055] To isopropanol (150 mL) was added a solution ofN-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride in water (50 wt %solution, 24.0 g, 12.0 g of monomer). To this solution was added styrene(6.0 g), followed by the addition of AIBN (0.5 g). The homogeneoussolution was degassed by bubbling a stream of nitrogen through it for 30minutes. The solution was heated to 70° C. for 15 h. The polymerpartially precipitated as the reaction proceeded. The solution wascooled, the isopropanol was decanted off, the white solid was washedwith propanol (50 mL). The propanol was decanted a second time, and thesolid was dissolved in methanol (150 mL). The clear solution was addeddropwise to ethyl acetate, causing the polymer to be precipitated as awhite powder. The polymer was recovered by filtration, washed with 50 mLof ethylacetate and air dried.

[0056] An additional MAPTAC/styrene copolymer was prepared by a similarmethod employing a 50/50 mixture of starting monomers.

Example 10 Synthesis of poly(TMAEMC-co-heptafluorobutylacrylate) 75/25

[0057] A 500 mL round bottomed flask was charged with2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate chloride (26.0 g of a 70 wt %aqueous solution, 18.2 g), heptafluorobutylacrylate (6.0 g) andisopropanol (150 mL). The solution was degassed by the addition of arapid stream of nitrogen for 10 minutes, followed by the addition ofAIBN (0.5 g).The solution was degassed for a further thirty minutes and,continuing the addition of nitrogen, the solution was heated to 70° C.The temperature was maintained for 17 h. The polymer began toprecipitate within 1 h, and by the completion of the reaction a stickywhite precipitate had formed. The reaction mixture was cooled, thepropanol was decanted from the polymer, and the polymer was dissolved inmethanol (100 mL). Precipitation of the methanol solution dropwise intoethyl acetate (1200 mL) caused the polymer to be deposited as a whitesolid which was recovered by filtration.

Example 11 Synthesis of poly(MAPTAC-co-N-t-butylacrylamide) 75/25

[0058] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 36.4 g of a 50%aqueous solution of N-(3-trimethylammonium-propyl)methacrylamidechloride and 6 g of N-t-butyl-acrylamide followed by 150 mL ofisopropanol. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 gAIBN was added. The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutes until all of theAIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16hours.

[0059] The resulting reaction mixture consisted of two phases. Theturbid liquid phase was decanted from the bulk of the reaction which wasa white sticky solid phase. The liquid was precipitated into 1200 mL ofethyl acetate and filtered by vacuum filtration through a Buchnerfunnel. The white hygroscopic precipitate was dried in vacuo. The solidphase was dissolved in methanol and precipitated into 1200 mL of ethylacetate and filtered by vacuum filtration to yield a white powder whichwas stored under vacuum.

[0060] Additional MAPTAC/N-t-butylacrylamide copolymers were prepared bya similar method beginning with the starting monomers in the followingratios:N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide/N-t-butyl-acrylamide=60/40,50/50, 40/60, and 25/75.

Example 12 Synthesis ofpoly(N-decylallylamine-co-N-(4-trimethylammoniumbutyl)allylamine)

[0061] To a solution of poly(allylamine).HCl (20.15 g of a 50 wt %aqueous solution) was added sodium hydroxide (5.64 g ) as a solid. Thesolution was stirred for 40 minutes, filtered and the filter cake waswashed with methanol (15 mL). The solution was further diluted withmethanol (25 mL) and to the solution was added 1-bromodecane (7.73 g, 35mmol) and (1-trimethylamino-4-bromobutane) chloride (9.13 g, 35 mmol). Asolution was prepared of sodium hydroxide (2.8 g, 70 mmol) in water (5mL). This solution was added to the reaction mixture in four portions atthirty minute intervals. The solution was then stirred at roomtemperature for 24 h, followed by dialysis against deionized water andfreeze-dried. A total of 23.2 g of a glassy, hygroscopic solid wasrecovered.

Example 13 Synthesis of poly(TMAEMC-co-N-t-butylacrylamide) 57/43

[0062] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 18.20 g of a 70%aqueous solution of 2-trimethylammonium-ethylmethacrylic chloride and9.7 g of N-t-butylacrylamide followed by 150 mL of isopropanol. Thesolution was purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added.The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutes until all of the AIBN dissolved.The solution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0063] The resulting reaction mixture consisted of two easily separablephases. The liquid phase was decanted from the bulk of the reactionwhich was a white solid. The liquid was precipitated into 1200 mL ofethyl acetate and filtered by vacuum filtration through a Buchnerfunnel. The white precipitate was dried in vacuo and weighed: fractionA, 10.1 g (45.1% yield based on 22.4 g monomers added). The solid phasewas dissolved in methanol and precipitated into 600 mL of ethyl acetateand filtered by vacuum filtration to yield fraction B, 5.81 g of a whitepowder (25.9% yield) which was dried under vacuum.

[0064] TMAEMC/N-t-Butylacrylamide copolymers were also prepared by asimilar method with the starting monomers in the following ratios:TMAEMC/N-t-Butylacrylamide=63/37, 50/50, 40/60, 25/75, 15/85 and 5/95.

Example 14 Synthesis of poly(MAPTAC-co-N-n-decylacrylamide) 75/25

[0065] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 36.4 g of a 50%aqueous solution of N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chlorideand 6 g of N-n-decylacrylamide followed by 150 mL of isopropanol. Thesolution was purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added.The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutes until all of the AIBN dissolved.The solution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0066] The reaction mixture consisted of two easily separable phases.The clear, yellow liquid phase was precipitated into 1200 mL of ethylacetate. The precipitate was isolated by filtration and dried undervacuum to yield 2.14 g of a yellow powder, fraction A (8.84% yield).Methanol was added to the creamy yellow reaction precipitate and theresulting turbid yellow solution was precipitated into 1200 mL of ethylacetate. The white precipitate was isolated by filtration and driedunder vacuum to yield fraction B, 17.22 g, as a slightly yellow powder(71.2% yield).

[0067] Additional MAPTAC/N-n-decylacrylamide copolymers were prepared bya similar method with the starting monomers in the following ratios:MAPTAC/N-n-decylacrylamide =60/40, 50/50, and 40/60.

Example 15 Synthesis of poly(TMAEMC-co-pentafluorostyrene) 75/25

[0068] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 26.0 g of a 70%aqueous solution of 2-trimethylammonium-ethylmethacrylate chloride and 6g of pentafluorostyrene followed by 150 mL of isopropanol. The solutionwas purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. Themixture was purged for ˜15 minutes until all of the AIBN dissolved. Thesolution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0069] The reaction mixture consisted of two phases. The turbid solutionwas discarded. The bulk of the reaction, consisting of a white solidmass at the bottom of the flask, was dissolved in methanol. Theresulting clear solution was precipitated into 1200 mL of ethyl acetate.The white precipitate was isolated by vacuum filtration to yield 20.39 gof a fine white powder (84.3% yield).

[0070] Additional TMAEMC/pentafluorostyrene copolymers were prepared bya similar method with the starting monomers in the following ratios:TMAEMC/pentafluorostyrene=60/40 and 50/50.

Example 16 Synthesis of poly(MAPTAC-co-pentafluorostyrene) 75/25

[0071] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 36.3 g of a 50%aqueous solution of N-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chlorideand 6 g of pentafluorostyrene followed by 150 mL of isopropanol. Thesolution was purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added.The mixture was purged for 15 minutes until all of the AIBN dissolved.The solution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0072] The reaction mixture consisted of a turbid solution with a whiteprecipitate. The supernatent was disgarded. The white reactionprecipitate was dissolved in methanol and the resulting clear solutionwas precipitated into 1200 mL of ethyl acetate. The white precipitatewas isolated by filtration and dried under vacuum to yield 12.81 g of afine white powder (52.9% yield).

[0073] Additional MAPTAC/pentafluorostyrene copolymers were prepared bya similar method with the starting monomers in the following ratios:MAPTAC/pentafluorostyrene=60/40 and 50/50.

Example 17 Synthesis of MAPTAC/N-t-Butylacrylamide/HEMA Terpolymer33/33/33

[0074] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 16.1 g of a 50% aqueous solution ofN-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride, 8 g ofN-t-butylacrylamide, and 8 g of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate. The solutionwas purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g of AIBN was added. Themixture was purged for ˜15 min until all of the AIBN dissolved. Thesolution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0075] The reaction mixture consisted of a turbid solution with a whitelatex in the bottom of the flask. The solution was precipitated into1200 mL of ethyl acetate. The white precipitate was isolated byfiltration to yield a sticky white powder which was dried under vacuumto yield 10.43 g of a lumpy white solid (fraction A) (43.1% yield). Thewhite reaction precipitate was dissolved in methanol and precipitatedinto 1200 mL of ethyl acetate. The precipitate was isolated byfiltration and dried under vacuum to yield 8.89 g of a fine white powder(fraction B) (36.7% yield).

[0076] Additional MAPTAC/N-t-butylacrylamide/HEMA terpolymers wereprepared by a similar method beginning with the following ratios of thestarting monomers: MAPTAC/N-t-Butylacrylamide/HEMA=28/43/28, 23/53/23,and 18/63/18.

Example 18 Synthesis of MAPTAC/N-Isopropylacrylamide/HEMA Terpolymer18/63/18

[0077] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 8.9 g of a 50% aqueous solution ofN-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride, 15.3 g ofN-iso-propylacrylamide, and 4.4 g of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate. Thesolution was purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g of AIBN wasadded. The mixture was purged for ˜15 min until all of the AIBNdissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16hours.

[0078] The clear slightly pink reaction solution was precipitated into1200 mL of ethyl acetate. The precipitate was isolated by filtration toyield a sticky white solid which was dried under vacuum to yield 14.42 gof a hard clear/white granular solid (59.6% yield).

Example 19 Synthesis of MAPTAC/N-Decylacrylamide/HEMA Terpolymer33/33/33

[0079] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 16.1 g of a 50% aqueous solution ofN-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride, 8 g ofN-decylacrylamide, and 8 g of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate. The solutionwas purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g of AIBN was added. Themixture was purged for ˜15 min until all of the AIBN dissolved. Thesolution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0080] The reaction mixture consisted of two phases. The clear yellowsolution was precipitated into 1200 mL of ethyl acetate. The precipitatewas isolated by filtration. The sticky yellow precipitate was driedunder vacuum and the resulting brittle clear yellow foam was crushed toyield 4.98 g of a fine yellow granular powder (fraction A) (20.6%yield). The white reaction latex was dissolved in methanol andprecipitated into 1200 mL of ethyl acetate. The precipitate was isolatedby filtration and dried under vacuum to yield 10.24 g of a slightlyyellow granular solid (fraction B) (42.3% yield).

[0081] Additional MAPTAC/N-Decylacrylamide/HEMA terpolymers wereprepared by a similar method beginning with the following ratios ofstarting monomers: MAPTAC/N-Decylacrylamide/HEMA=28/43/28, 23/53/23, and18/63/18.

Example 20 Synthesis of TMAEAC/n-Butylacrylate/Acrylamide Terpolymer10/30/60

[0082] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 4.84 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 7.26 g of n-butylacrylate,and 14.52 g of acrylamide. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixture was purged for 15 minutesuntil all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. undernitrogen for 16 hours.

[0083] The resulting white reaction mixture was filtered by vacuumfiltration through a Buchner funnel to yield a white powder. The powderwas washed with isopropanol and dried under vacuum to yield 21.57 g of afine white powder (89.1% yield based on 24.2 g of monomers).

[0084] Additional TMAEAC/n-butylacrylate/acrylamide terpolymers wereprepared by a similar method beginning with the following ratios ofstarting monomers: TMAEMC/n-butylacrylate/acrylamide=20/20/60 and30/10/60.

Example 21 Synthesis of TMAEAC/t-Butylacrylate/Acrylamide Terpolymer10/30/60

[0085] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 4.84 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 7.26 g of t-butylacrylate,and 14.52 g of acrylamide. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixture was purged for 15 minutesuntil all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. undernitrogen for 16 hours.

[0086] The resulting white reaction mixture was filtered by vacuumfiltration through a Buchner funnel to yield a white powder. The powderwas washed with isopropanol and dried under vacuum to yield 21.13 g of awhite powder (87.3% yield).

[0087] Additional TMAEAC/t-butylacrylate/acrylamide terpolymers wereprepared by a similar method beginning with the following ratios ofstarting monomers: TMAEAC/t-butylacrylate/acrylamide=20/20/60 and30/10/60.

Example 22 Synthesis of TMAEAC/n-Decylacrylate/Acrylamide Terpolymer10/30/60

[0088] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 4.84 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 7.26 g of n-decylacrylate,and 14.52 g of acrylamide. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutesuntil all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. undernitrogen for 16 hours.

[0089] The resulting white reaction mixture was filtered by vacuumfiltration through a Buchner funnel to yield a white powder. The powderwas washed with isopropanol and dried under vacuum to yield 21.52 g of afine white powder (89% yield).

[0090] Additional TMAEAC/n-decylacrylate/acrylamide terpolymers wereprepared by a similar method beginning with the following ratios ofstarting monomers: TMAEAC/n-decylacrylate/acrylamide=20/20/60, and30/10/60.

Example 23 Synthesis of MAPTAC/N-t-Butylmethacrylamide/MethacrylamideTerpolymer 10/30/60

[0091] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 4.84 g of a 50% aqueous solution ofN-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride, 7.26 g ofN-t-butylmethacrylamide, and 14.52 g of methacrylamide. The solution waspurged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g of AIBN was added. The mixturewas purged for 15 min until all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution washeated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0092] The white reaction mixture was too difficult to filter by vacuumfiltration so centrifugation techniques were employed instead. Thereaction mixture was poured into 50 mL centrifuge tubes and centrifuged.The supernatant was discarded. Isopropanol was added to the polymer andthe mixture was stirred and centrifuged. The supernatant was discardedand the white solids were combined and dried under vacuum to yield 14.99g of a slightly buff powder (61.9% yield).

[0093] Additional MAPTAC/N-t-butylmethacrylamide/methacrylamideterpolymers were prepared by a similar method beginning with thefollowing ratios of starting monomers:MAPTAC/N-t-butylmethacrylamide/methacrylamide=20/20/60, 33/33/33 and30/10/60.

Example 24 Synthesis of MAPTAC/n-Decylmethacrylate/MethacrylamideTerpolymer 10/30/60

[0094] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 4.84 g of a 50% aqueous solution ofN-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride, 7.26 g ofn-decylmethacrylate, and 14.52 g of methacrylamide. The solution waspurged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g of AIBN was added. The mixturewas purged for 15 min until all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution washeated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0095] The isopropanol was decanted leaving a white chunky powder.Isopropanol was added and the mixture was poured into 50 mL centrifugetubes and centrifuged. The supernatant was discarded. Isopropanol wasadded to the polymer and the mixture was stirred and centrifuged. Thesupernatant was discarded and the white solids were combined and driedunder vacuum to yield 18.50 g of a granular white solid (76.4% yield).

[0096] Additional MAPTAC/N-decylmethacrylamide/methacrylamideterpolymers were prepared by a similar method beginning with thefollowing ratios of starting monomers:MAPTAC/N-decylmethacrylamide/methacrylamide=20/20/60, 33/33/33 and30/10/60.

Example 25 Synthesis of TMAEMC/n-Decylmethacrylate/MethacrylamideTerpolymer 10/30/60

[0097] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 3.46 g of a 70% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate chloride, 7.26 g ofn-decylmethacrylate, and 14.52 g of methacrylamide. The solution waspurged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixturewas purged for ˜15 minutes until all of the AIBN dissolved. The solutionwas heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0098] The white reaction mixture was poured into 50 mL centrifuge tubesand centrifuged. The supernatant was discarded. Isopropanol was added tothe polymer and the mixture was stirred and centrifuged. The supernatantwas discarded and the white solids were combined and dried under vacuumto yield 10.29 g of a hard white solid (42.5% yield).

[0099] Additional TMAEMC/N-n-decylmethacrylamide/methacrylamideterpolymers were prepared by a similar method beginning with thefollowing ratios of starting monomers:TMAEMC/N-n-decylmethacrylamide/methacrylamide=20/20/60, 33/33/33 and30/10/60.

Example 26 Synthesis of TMAEMC/N-t-Butylmethacrylamide/MethacrylamideTerpolymer 10/30/60

[0100] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 3.46 g of a 70% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate chloride, 7.26 g ofN-t-butylmethacrylamide, and 14.52 g of methacrylamide. The solution waspurged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixturewas purged for 15 minutes until all of the AIBN dissolved. The solutionwas heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0101] The white reaction mixture was poured into 50 mL centrifuge tubesand centrifuged. The supernatant was discarded. Isopropanol was added tothe polymer and the mixture was stirred and centrifuged. The supernatantwas discarded and the white solids were combined and dried under vacuumto yield 18.35 g of a fine white powder (75.8% yield).

[0102] Additional TMAEMC/N-t-butylmethacrylamide/methacrylamideterpolymers were prepared by a similar method beginning with thefollowing ratios of starting monomers:TMAEMC/N-t-butylmethacrylamide/methacrylamide=20/20/60, 33/33/33 and30/10/60.

Example 27 Synthesis of TMAEMC/n-Butylmethacrylate/MethacrylamideTerpolymer 10/30/60

[0103] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 3.46 g of a 70% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylmethacrylate chloride, 7.26 g ofn-butylmethacrylate, and 14.52 g of methacrylamide. The solution waspurged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixturewas purged for ˜15 minutes until all of the AIBN dissolved. The solutionwas heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0104] The white reaction mixture was poured into 50 mL centrifuge tubesand centrifuged. The supernatant was discarded. Isopropanol was added tothe polymer and the mixture was stirred and centrifuged. The supernatantwas discarded and the white solids were combined and dried under vacuumto yield 20.99 g of a clumpy white powder (86.7% yield).

[0105] Additional TMAEMC/N-n-butylmethacrylamide/methacrylamideterpolymers were prepared by a similar method beginning with thefollowing ratios of starting monomers:TMAEMC/N-n-butylmethacrylamide/methacrylamide=20/20/60 and 30/10/60.

Example 28 Synthesis of MAPTAC/n-Butylmethacrylate/MethacrylamideTerpolymer 10/30/60

[0106] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 4.84 g of a 50% aqueous solution ofN-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride, 7.26 g ofn-butylmethacrylate, and 14.52 g of methacrylamide. The solution waspurged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g of AIBN was added. The mixturewas purged for ˜15 min until all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution washeated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0107] The white reaction mixture was filtered by vacuum filtration toyield a white powder. The powder was washed with isopropanol and driedunder vacuum to yield 22.20 g of a white powder (91.7% yield).

[0108] Additional MAPTAC/n-butylmethacrylate/methacrylamide terpolymerswere prepared by a similar method beginning with the following ratios ofstarting monomers: MAPTAC/n-butylmethacrylate/methacrylamide=20/20/60and 30/10/60.

Example 29 Synthesis of TMAEAC/n-Decylacrylamide/Acrylamid Terpolymer33/33/33

[0109] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 16.13 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 8.06 g of n-decylacrylamide,and 8.06 g of acrylamide. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutesuntil all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. undernitrogen for 16 hours.

[0110] The reaction mixture was precipitated into 1200 mL of ethylacetate. The fine precipitate was filtered by vacuum filtration to yielda sticky yellow material. The light yellow solid was dissolved inmethanol and precipitated into 1200 mL of ethyl acetate. The precipitatewas filtered by vacuum filtration to yield 10.85 g of a sticky, slightlyyellow powder (44.8% yield).

Example 30 Synthesis of TMAEAC/N-t-Butylacrylamide/Acrylamide Terpolymer33/33/33

[0111] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 16.13 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 8.06 g ofN-t-butylacrylamide, and 8.06 g of acrylamide. The solution was purgedwith nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixture waspurged for 15 minutes until all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution washeated to 75° C. under nitrogen for 16 hours.

[0112] The reaction mixture consisted of a clear colorless solution witha small amount of white sticky solid. The clear solution wasprecipitated into 1200 mL of ethyl acetate. The white precipitate wasfiltered, dissolved in water, and lyophilized to yield 6.65 of a whitepowder (27.5% yield).

Example 31 Synthesis of TMAEAC/Styrene/Acrylamide Terpolymer 33/33/33

[0113] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 16.13 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 8.06 g of styrene, and 8.06 gof acrylamide. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1 hour and 0.5g AIBN was added. The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutes until all ofthe AIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. under nitrogen for16 hours.

[0114] The reaction mixture consisted of a clear colorless solution anda white solid. The clear solution was disgarded. The solid was dissolvedin methanol, and precipitated into ethyl acetate (1200 mL). A whiteprecipitate formed which settled out of the solution as a sticky whitesolid. The ethyl acetate was decanted and the solid dried by passingnitrogen through the flask. The solid was dissolved in water andlyophilized to yield 18.14 g of a fine white powder (75% yield).

Example 32 Synthesis of TMAEAC/n-Butylacrylate/Acrylamide Terpolymer33/33/33

[0115] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 16.13 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 8.06 g of n-butylacrylate,and 8.06 g of acrylamide. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutesuntil all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. undernitrogen for 16 hours.

[0116] The reaction mixture consisted of a clear colorless solution anda white chunky solid. The solution phase was disgarded and the whitesolid dissolved in water, filtered and lyophilized to yield 12.84 of afine white powder (53.1% yield). Example 33 Synthesis ofTMAEAC/n-Decylacrylate/Acrylamide Terpolymer 33/33/33

[0117] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 16.13 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 8.06 g of n-decylacrylate,and 8.06 g of acrylamide. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutesuntil all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. undernitrogen for 16 hours.

[0118] The white reaction mixture was precipitated into 1200 mL of ethylacetate. The turbid solution was decanted and the polymer was dried withnitrogen, dissolved in water, and lyophilized to yield 8.79 g of finewhite powder (36.3% yield).

Example 34 Synthesis of TMAEAC/t-Butylacrylate/Acrylamide Terpolymer33/33/33

[0119] To a 500 mL round-bottom, three-neck flask fitted with athermocouple, reflux condenser, and septum was added 150 mL ofisopropanol followed by 16.13 g of a 50% aqueous solution of2-trimethylammoniumethylacrylate chloride, 8.06 g of t-butylacrylate,and 8.06 g of acrylamide. The solution was purged with nitrogen for 1hour and 0.5 g AIBN was added. The mixture was purged for ˜15 minutesuntil all of the AIBN dissolved. The solution was heated to 75° C. undernitrogen for 16 hours.

[0120] The white reaction mixture was precipitated into 1200 mL of ethylacetate. The turbid solution was decanted and the polymer was dried withnitrogen, dissolved in water, and lyophilized to yield 6.51 g of finewhite powder (26.9% yield).

Example 35 In vitro Activity of Selected Polymers Against C. Parvuminfectivity

[0121] Confluent MDBK cell monolayers were grown on 16 well slides, andinfected with 5×10⁵ of C. parvum oocysts per well. Various dilutions ofthe test reagents in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were added to themonolayers and cultures were incubated at 37° C.(8% CO₂) for 48 hours.The level of C. parvum infections was determined and analysed by anindirect immunofluorescence (IF) assay at 48 hours. Anti-C. parvumsporozoite rabbit serum (1:1000) was used as the primary antibody, andfluorscein-conjugated anti rabbit goat serum (1:100) was used as thesecondary antibody. Each dilution was tested in quadruple, and eachassay was performed at least two times. The monolayers were methanolfixed and, after IF labelling, the number of parasites observed in 10high power fields (HPF) per well in each of the four wells per dilutionwas counted, statistically analysed and compared with infected wellswhich contained DMSO only. Paromomycin was used as the positive controldrug. The results are presented in the following Table. TABLEConcentration Polymer (mg/mL) % Inhibition poly(TMAEMC-co-styrene)25/75, 0.1 91.7 Example 7 0.033 83.2 0.011 38.9 0.0037 3.95poly(TMAEMC-co-N- 10 100 t-butylacrylamide), 15/85 Example 13 1.0 1000.1 59.1 0.01 38.0 poly(MAPTAC-co-N- 10 100 n-decylacrylamide), 40/60Example 14 1.0 100 0.1 64.3 0.01 35.5 poly(MAPTAC-co-N- 10 70.2t-butylacrylamide-co-HEMA) 33/33/33 Example 17 1.0 57.4 0.1 52.1 0.0118.4 poly(TMAEMC-co- 0.1 91.35 heptafluorobutylacrylate 60/40, Example10 0.033 53.0 0.011 23.5 0.0037 4.2 paromomycin 2 79.4

[0122] Equivalents

[0123] Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertainusing no more than routine experimentation many equivalents to thespecific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalentsare intended to be encompassed in the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating a microbial infection in ahuman, comprising the step of orally administering to the human atherapeutically effective amount of a homopolymer characterized by apolymerized monomer having an amino group or an ammonium group attachedto the polymer backbone by an aliphatic spacer group.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the monomer having an amino group or an ammonium groupattached to the polymer backbone by an aliphatic group is represented byFormula (I):

wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group, X is a covalentbond, a carbonyl group or a CH₂ group, Y is an oxygen atom or an NH orCH₂ group, Z is an aliphatic spacer group, and R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each,independently, a hydrogen atom, a normal or branched, substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₈-alkyl group, aryl or arylalkyl group.
 3. The methodof claim 2 wherein Z is a normal or branched C₂-C₁₂-alkylene group or aC₂-C₁₂-alkylene group interrupted at one or more points by a heteroatom.4. A method for treating a microbial infection in a human, comprisingthe step of orally administering to the human a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a copolymer of a polymerized hydrophobic monomer anda polymerized monomer having an amino group or an ammonium groupattached to the polymer backbone by an aliphatic spacer group and apolymerized hydrophobic monomer.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein themonomer having an amino group or an ammonium group attached to thepolymer backbone by an aliphatic spacer group is represented by Formula(I):

wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group, X is a covalentbond, a carbonyl group or a CH₂ group, Y is an oxygen atom or an NH orCH₂ group, Z is an aliphatic spacer group, and R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each,independently, a hydrogen atom, a normal or branched, substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₈-alkyl group, aryl or arylalkyl group.
 6. The methodof claim 5 wherein Z is a normal or branched C₂-C₁₂-alkylene group or aC₂-C₁₂-alkylene group interrupted at one or more points by a heteroatom.7. The method of claim 6 wherein the heteroatom is a nitrogen, oxygen orsulfur atom.
 8. The method of claim 5 wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ andR₃ is an aryl group, a benzyl group or a normal or branched, substitutedor unsubstituted C₁-C₁₈-alkyl group.
 9. The method of claim 5 whereinthe hydrophobic monomer comprises a straight chain or branched,substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₈-alkyl group, an aryl group or anaralkyl group.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the hydrophobic monomeris selected from the group consisting of styrene, N-isopropylacrylamide,N-t-butylacrylamide, N-n-butylacrylamide, heptafluorobutylacrylate,N-n-decylallylamine, N-n-decylacrylamide, pentafluorostyrene,n-butylacrylate, t-butylacrylate, n-decylacrylate,N-t-butylmethacrylamide, n-decylmethacrylate, n-butylmethacrylate,n-decylacrylate, and t-butylacrylate.
 11. A method of treating agastrointestinal infection in a human comprising the step of contactingthe gastrointestinal tract of the human with a therapeutically effectiveamount of a homopolymer of a monomer having an amino group or anammonium group attached to the polymer backbone by an aliphatic group.12. The method of claim 11 wherein the monomer having an amino group oran ammonium group attached to the polymer backbone by an aliphaticspacer group is represented by Formula I:

wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group, X is a covalentbond, a carbonyl group or a CH₂ group, Y is an oxygen atom or an NH orCH₂ group, Z is an aliphatic spacer group, and R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each,independently, a hydrogen atom, a normal or branched, substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₈-alkyl group, aryl or arylalkyl group.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 wherein Z is a normal or branched C₂-C₁₂-alkylenegroup or a C₂-C₁₂-alkylene group interrupted at one or more points by aheteroatom.